China · Shaanxi / Shanxi border
Hukou Falls
壶口瀑布
The entire Yellow River funnels through a narrow rock spout barely 30 metres wide, turning the world second-longest river into a violent brown torrent that ancient poets likened to a kettle spout, giving the falls their name. In deep winter the spray freezes into vast ice sculptures across the gorge.
The entire Yellow River funnels through a narrow rock spout barely 30 metres wide, turning the world second-longest river into a violent brown torrent that ancient poets likened to a kettle spout, giving the falls their name. In deep winter the spray freezes into vast ice sculptures across the gorge.
Hukou Falls drops 30 metres (98 ft) across a face roughly 30 metres wide on the Yellow River. It is a block-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Jixian, with TYN the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy.
Autumn and spring give strong, silt-heavy flow; a winter ice formation event draws crowds in January.
What you can do here
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Autumn and spring give strong, silt-heavy flow; a winter ice formation event draws crowds in January.
Entry: Entry fee ~¥90
Getting there
- Base townJixian
- AirportTYN
- CountryChina
- RegionShaanxi / Shanxi border, Asia
- AccessEasy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint
On the map
36.1181, 110.4869
Quick answers
How tall is Hukou Falls?
Hukou Falls drops 30 metres (98 feet), across a face about 30 metres wide. It is a block-type waterfall on the Yellow River.
When is the best time to visit Hukou Falls?
Peak flow is April to May and September to October. Autumn and spring give strong, silt-heavy flow; a winter ice formation event draws crowds in January.
What can you do at Hukou Falls?
Beyond the viewpoints: hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint.
How do you get to Hukou Falls?
The usual base is Jixian, and the closest airport is TYN. A short walk or roadside viewpoint from there. Entry fee ~¥90.
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